The absence of a direct comparison
In a letter to the Milan Natural History Museum, the FIdC branch of Milan and Monza and Brianza raised serious concerns regarding the content of the exhibition "Poison after the Shot," currently on display in one of Italy's most important museums. The association fears that, in the absence of direct comparison and a clear presentation of contextualized scientific data, the exhibition could become a mere defamatory propaganda tool against hunting. a practice that has become very fashionable in recent months.
The role of hunters
For this reason, the Federation believes that the host scientific institution has a duty to offer a much more complete and balanced overview. Specifically, the FIDC proposes that the exhibition not be limited to a partial overview, but include a comprehensive examination of the alternative solutions already adopted in wildlife management. Furthermore, it requests that space and visibility be given to the active and concrete role played by hunters in environmental monitoring and conservation projects. Finally, the Milan branch of Federcaccia Lombardia urges the inclusion of information on existing collaborations between the hunting community, public bodies, universities, and animal health institutes—partnerships that are essential for the collection of scientific data, the protection of ecosystems, and the assurance of safety.
Dissemination of knowledge
This is the text: "The Italian Hunting Federation appreciates any initiative aimed at protecting the environment, wildlife, and public health. We believe it is essential that cultural and scientific institutions contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and awareness on these issues. We are therefore sincerely curious to visit the exhibition dedicated to lead in ammunition, in the belief that a discussion based on verifiable data, transparent sources, and comprehensive analyses is the only way to properly understand complex phenomena such as so-called "lead poisoning."
A dangerous fad
We trust that this data will actually be presented, as—to date—we have never been allowed a direct discussion on the topic. Without scientific evidence presented clearly and contextually, an exhibition would risk becoming a mere tool for defamation of hunting, a defamation that has become all the rage in recent months. In their preliminary communications, the organizers state that "the goal is not to condemn hunting, but to promote sustainable hunting." We welcome this intention and believe the best way to demonstrate it is to ensure balance, avoiding sensational headlines lacking in depth and instead favoring a rigorously scientific approach.
The need for a more complete picture
The communication accompanying the exhibition, as distributed, uses highly alarmist tones and presents the topic in a manner that we believe is partial and out of context, generating a distorted perception of hunting and its role in wildlife and environmental management. We wish to emphasize that modern, regulated, and responsible hunting is one of the most strictly controlled activities in Europe, and that our members invest in training and the best available technologies, precisely because they are committed to sustainability. For this reason, we believe that an exhibition hosted by a scientific institution could—and should—have offered a more comprehensive picture, including an examination of the alternative solutions already adopted, the active role of hunters in environmental monitoring, conservation projects, and scientific data collection, as well as the collaborations already underway between the hunting community, public bodies, universities, and animal health institutes for the protection of ecosystems and food security. Hunters, in fact, represent authoritative stakeholders in wildlife management: they are present throughout the territory, operate in direct contact with wild fauna, and they participate, often at institutional request, in monitoring, research and conservation activities".
Constructive dialogue
We are confident that a more balanced representation would have fostered a truly constructive dialogue, helping to inform the public without resorting to simplifications or stigmatizations that unfairly harm a profession that dedicates time and resources to protecting the environment. The FIdC confirms its full availability to collaborate with the Museum on future educational and scientific initiatives, in order to offer the public a calm, well-documented, and unbiased discussion, in the common interest of nature, wildlife, and the community. (Italian Hunting Federation – Provincial Section of Milan, Monza, and Brianza)
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